Narrative Review Writing Template

This Word template helps you write a narrative review that is organised by themes and transparent about how sources were found and chosen.

What is inside

• Title, abstract and introduction with a focused question
• A search-and-selection statement (databases, dates, terms)
• Theme sections for synthesis, plus critical appraisal and gaps
• Evidence map table, implications and limitations

How to use it

1. Define the review question and write the search statement before reading widely.
2. Fill the evidence map as you read: theme, source, finding, caveat.
3. Write each theme as a comparison, not a list of studies.
4. Check the draft against the SANRA quality items.

Example (illustrative)

An evidence-map row: Theme: dosing frequency; Key sources: three cohort studies; Main finding: similar outcomes; Caveat: small samples. (Illustrative.)

Limitations and cautions

A narrative review is more open to selection bias than a systematic review, and a template cannot fix that. State your search clearly, and use a different template and reporting guideline if you are writing a scoping or systematic review. The file is free to use and edit, and the footer credits MedResearch Ninja.

MRN templates are original, editable starting points. Reporting standards (PRISMA, CARE, ICMJE and others) belong to their authors: use the official versions linked above for formal submissions.